Solutions for fiber-optic wire-guided vehicles

The innovative concept of our disposable fiber-optic spool for Underwater Vehicles lies in the fact that it is directly mounted onto the underwater vehicle.  The deployable side of the spool is connected to the control station on a support vessel or controller . The stationary fiber is connected to the ROV with a hermetically sealed interface to withstand water pressure. This way, the fiber doesn’t suffer any constraint since it deploys while the vehicle moves. Maneuvering in circles, in reverse, or around obstacles is not a problem

This technology offers high-speed deployment up to 20 knots and beyond, and over long distances of up to 50 km. In addition, it is intrinsically insensitive to EMI, making it immune to radio jamming. As a result, the optical fiber ensures permanent real-time communication between the vehicle and the control station. It is ideal for the guidance of an underwater vehicle in deep-water, as well as for the transmission of huge data streams from onboard high-resolution cameras and sensors.

Very compact and lightweight, this solution with venting holes on the housing is available in three different packages, depending on the required spool capacity. The smallest can contain up to 2 km of fiber in a 94 mm long by 85 mm diameter housing and weighs only 80 g in seawater.

This concept has the potential for many applications. It is a perfect solution for underwater explorations in confined or denied areas.  Possible applications range from the inspection of wrecks to mine action missions. Note: both the vehicle and the control station need to be equipped with an opto-electronic device, supplied separately.

• Bidirectional link 

• Lengths of 2 km, 5 km, 10 km, 20 km, 30km and 50 km 

• Secured and fast deployment • Compact and lightweight 

• 1310-1550 nm SM fiber 

• ST connector as standard, others on request 

• Easy Mounting 

• Field-installable 

• Custom configurations.